Latrell Sprewell said he understood Knick management’s decision to sign coach Don Chaney for just the remainder of the season and believes the Knicks will have to “go deep in the playoffs” to keep him around.

“Management wants to see how this year goes,” Sprewell said yesterday. “I understand their position. See how this year goes and evaluate it from there. The bottom line is the team is going to have to respond to him by winning games making it deep in the playoffs. That’s what management wants to see. If we’re not responding, who knows? If we do, obviously it’s a chance for Coach Chaney to get a long-term deal.”

The prevailing belief is the Knicks will have to get to the second round to save Chaney’s hide. Sprewell tried clarifying his position on the change, going from concerned to “torn.”

“I hate to see Jeff go, but it is a great opportunity for Coach Chaney,” Sprewell said. “We don’t want to ruin it for him. As players, you want to do whatever you can. It’s a great shot for him. Whatever we can do to make it a memorable experience for him.”

Sprewell may wind up enjoying Chaney lots more as he admitted he’s been having them work on the running game in practice.

“Coach Chaney wants to run,” Spree said. “That’s the one thing I see really different. He’s trying to get us to go up and down [the floor]. I think it’s great for a player like myself. He’s really looking for us to be on the offensive. Hopefully we can run well. We don’t want to run and turn the ball over, take quick shots and not get back on defense.”

Ironically, Chaney faced the Celtics, where his run-and-gun roots were hatched with former Boston coach and current broadcaster Tommy Heinsohn, who made a big scene of congratulating Chaney before the game.

“Jeff always encouraged the team to run,” Chaney said. “It was just that the mindset of our players wasn’t there. My message to the team is I want to get easy baskets and I want to get them any way I can.”

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Clarence Weatherspoon (torn tendon) was examined yesterday. He could be a week away.